I Build America – Ohio is dedicated to celebrating the women of construction. Women are a vital part of our industry, and there are female leaders at all levels of construction work. From foreman to company owners and executives, construction wouldn’t be the industry it is without its female employees. Join us and our partners in celebrating the success of women within your own company and across the nation during National Women in Construction Week 2023.
Name: Colleen Cross
Company: Corna Kokosing Construction Company
Title/Position: Project Manager
Years working in construction: 7 Years
What was your path to a career in construction?
As a kid, loved working with my dad on home improvements around the house. I was really into Legos and building blocks at a young age, and excelled in math in science courses in high school. I graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Dayton in 2015, and was hired directly out of school as a Project Engineer at CK. Promoted to Project Manager in 2022.
What do you like most about working in construction?
We’re building for our community. I love working on projects that are client focused where you get to interact with the end user regularly, and see how excited they are for their new building.
Have you seen a change in the opportunities for women in construction over the course of your career?
I’ve seen more women in management roles, which means more women at the table where the decisions get made. There’s also been the beginning of a cultural shift where jobsites have started becoming more women-friendly. For example, women specific PPE has become more readily available, and women specific restrooms becoming more standard.
If you were to give young women (high schoolers) advice about beginning a career in construction, what would you say?
This industry is a great way to have a direct impact on the community you live in. Hard work pays off, and a career in construction is a great way to provide for yourself and your family.
Name: Anna Hall
Company: Corna Kokosing Construction Company
Title/Position: Estimator
Years working in construction: 5 years
What was your path to a career in construction?
I was not sure what I wanted to do early on in my college years. I had always done well in math and science courses and enjoyed problem solving. Because of that, engineering seemed like a good fit for me. I explored various disciplines of engineering and ended up deciding on mechanical engineering mainly because it was the broadest and there were multiple ways I could apply this degree. Throughout my co-ops/internships, I found the design side of mechanical engineering was not where my passion was. I decided to try something different for my next co-op and took an opportunity with a construction company. I loved this experience mostly because it gave me a real-world application of my studies and it was rewarding seeing the work come to life. I graduated with my BS in Mechanical Engineering in 2018 from The Ohio State University and upon graduation, accepted a position as an Estimator with CK.
What do you like most about working in construction?
My favorite part of working in the construction industry is that every project looks different than the next. There are never two days that look exactly the same. Each project brings their own challenges and rewards, which keeps it exciting!
Have you seen a change in the opportunities for women in construction over the course of your career?
I was fortunate to hire into a company that supports and encourages women within the construction industry. One area in which I personally feel the industry has made a minor impact but has the potential to make a huge impact for women is enhancing the benefits. In my time in the industry, I have seen progress made but there are certainly still strides we can make.
If you were to give young women (high schoolers) advice about beginning a career in construction, what would you say?
Do it! Go into the industry if you feel even a slight interest. Get as much on the job training as possible. Take co-ops and internships in all the different roles and areas in construction so you can to see what is the best fit for you. You might be surprised!
